A neighborhood is any geographically localized community within a city or town. In Morrisville, neighborhoods are welcoming places where people have face-to-face interactions, socialize and work together. Many neighborhoods in Morrisville have homeowners associations (HOA) that regulate rules for its residents, while others have property managers.

Purpose of an HOA

Homeowners associations (HOAs) are typically formed to enhance the value of their communities by providing budget guidance for maintenance or repair of common space and other amenities; organization of resident participation in neighborhood programs and events; and enforcement of covenants drawn up by the developer. HOAs often hold monthly board meetings to discuss issues and initiatives specific to the community. Committees are usually formed to review changes to community architecture, plan events, and distribute information.

Purpose of a Property Manager/Management Company

Neighborhoods of single-family homes may use a property management company to implement the decisions of the HOA by administering the services, programs, and operations of the community association within the policies and guidelines established by the board of directors.

Neighborhoods of multi-family homes – such as condominiums, apartments, and town homes – may be managed by a professional management firm or agency that leases units and provides maintenance, as well as organizes programs and events.

What Laws Do HOAs and Property Managers Follow?

All homeowners within Town limits are subject to the Morrisville Code of Ordinances, which outlines rules for noise, abandoned vehicles, parking, and more.

HOAs are subject to the Town’s ordinances, as well federal and state laws. Beyond that, HOAs are required to publicly record their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, which may include maintenance standards that require a higher standard of upkeep than the Town’s code. For example, covenants may require front yard landscaping for individual properties to have certain species or a certain number of plants, while the Town just requires that the grass on any property does not reach a certain height.

Many covenants are simple and are meant to protect a neighborhood from homeowners destroying trees or historic items or performing other actions that would harm property values. Some covenants can be more specific and strict, outlining acceptable colors to repaint a home, exactly when holiday decorations are allowed to be displayed, where automobiles can be on the property, the placement of satellites, and so on.

When Does the Town Get Involved?

Occasionally, a resident will approach Town staff or elected officials regarding an issue they have with their HOA’s covenants. More often than not, the Town has no authority to override the HOA’s decision. North Carolina cities and towns gain their authority by General Statutes made by the Legislature. and Chapter 160A, which relates to cities and towns, gives no authority for the Town to regulate HOAs.

The Town does respond to complaints from residents that concern a violation of the Code of Ordinances, as it has the authority to enforce those regulations.

Disputes Between Neighbors

Another area in which the Town is not authorized to act is in private disputes between homeowners. For example, your neighbor may build a fence that you believe crosses over your property line. The Town would not be able to intervene in this matter, even if you had a survey that showed that the fence was built over the property line. It is up to the homeowners to resolve the dispute.

Communication with the Town

Whether you live in a neighborhood with an HOA or a management company, a single-family home, or a condo, the Town of Morrisville would like to stay in touch with the leaders in your neighborhood!

From time to time, staff will reach out to neighborhood leaders to provide information about upcoming projects or programs that may affect them or that residents may want to know more about. From time to time, participants may also be asked to provide the Town with information, usually through a brief survey.

Those who receive these updates are encouraged to share them with neighbors via e-mail, Facebook, Nextdoor, or whatever mechanisms you use to communicate with those who live close by. If you are the president of an HOA or a member of the Board, the Town strongly encourages you to join the Neighborhood Leaders list. Submit your contact information to information@morrisvillenc.gov and keep in touch!